The Profiler: Alameda Mayor Marie Gilmore

Who would think the Island of Dominica in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean would have anything in common with the Island of Alameda in the bustling San Francisco Bay? They do, indeed, share some common traits.

Both have a population of just over 70,000. Both are destinations unto themselves (you don’t pass through them to get anywhere). And both have been home to Mayor Marie Gilmore.

Here in Alameda, Gilmore, 52, has spent two decades in public life – a stay she hopes to extend into a second mayoral term. Voters will decide whether to extend her history-making reign as the city’s first black mayor in November 2014.

“My chief aim in running for re-election is to continue the momentum with Alameda Point and the city’s finances,” said Gilmore, referencing the city’s recently upgraded bond rating, which she said is the highest in the East Bay.